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To the editor:
I have lived in Rockport for 32 years and raised my two children, Philip and Nathan, here with my late husband, Phil Brown.
Rockport is my home. I would like to continue to serve the residents here as town clerk and ask for your vote in the upcoming election on Tuesday, May 8.
I have 12 years of municipal experience working in Town Hall as administrative assistant to the town administrator, assistant town clerk and presently as acting town clerk.
I graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and American Studies, concentrating in government. My teaching skills are used daily in the clerk's office working with the public.
Prior to my employment with the town, I worked for Sears, which provided me with years of customer service and computer training. The customer service training instilled in me patience, understanding and the ability to listen with empathy.
Computer skills are essential in providing town clerk services. I have many years of computer training.
In my seven years of service in the clerk's office, I have used that training to introduce new technology. I developed a new computer application for dog licensing in Microsoft Access. This saved the town over $3,500, eliminating the need for a new software package.
This application has been so successful that other communities have contacted Rockport Town Hall to request permission to use it. I also saved the town more than $7,000 by computerizing the town census and eliminating the need for an outside vendor.
I am gratified when I am able to offer solutions in times of need to Rockport residents, whether it be to notarize a living will at the home of a resident, because they are incapacitated or open the office on Saturday, so a young couple can file a marriage intention. I am here to serve the residents of Rockport with sincerity, honesty and hard work.
Recently, I submitted a request for capital funds so that the town's vital records and Town Meeting minutes dating back to 1840 can be digitized and preserved for future generations. Town Meeting approved this request on April 9 and, in fiscal 2013, I will begin the important process of preservation and eventually with additional funding, put these digitized old records on the website for everyone to use.
During the last presidential election, I developed a spreadsheet for easy tallying of votes. With a state primary in September and the presidential election in November,
I urge the residents of Rockport to vote for experience, knowledge and service. Please vote for Patricia Brown for town clerk on May 8. For more information, visit www.patbrowntownclerk.org
PATRICIA BROWN
Jerden's Lane, Rockport
Acting town clerk,
Candidate for town clerk
